iranian culture family values and beliefs in healthcare

Self-directing religious coping: A deistic god, abandoning god, or no god at all? The purpose of the project is to explore, from a sociological perspective, different forms of meaning-making coping (existential, spiritual, and religious coping) used by people who have been struck by cancer and, thereby, to attempt to understand the effect of culture on the use of these coping strategies. Some citizens are challenging the government through acts of civil resistance (knowingly breaking the law) because the restrictions are much more authoritarian and paternalistic than what many Iranians desire and believe is true to Islam. Ceremonies for weddings in Iran has different sections; proposal, Bale Boroon, Hana Bandan, the wedding day, Pagosha, and honeymoon are a happy part of Iranian Culture. The country faces the common problem of other young . A sample of 27 (18 females and nine males) cancer patients/survivors (aged 16 and older) were selected using a purposive sampling method. One 41-year-old man explained this: We have a responsibility to act. They are expected to be clean, well-behaved, and good students. Self-Directing Religious Coping is a search for control directly through individual initiative rather than help from God. Broadly, one could make the distinction that the educated of society are more liberal whilst those in rural areas are generally more conservative. Mixing of males and females only really occurs within families or closely knit circles of friends. Get a downloadable, printable version that you can read later. In the current article, we present the results from our study in Iran, which looks at religious coping methods from a cultural perspective. The concepts and topics of spirituality and secular meaning-making coping also overlap, but there is no overlap between secular and religious concepts and topics. Italy is a country located in the south of Europe. For more information please visit our Permissions help page. Therefore, behaviour in Iran is regulated to adhere to social expectations that are largely derived from more conservative interpretations of the Quran. This test is Gods message to remind us not to turn our back to Him. Ziyarat seems, to be composed of subsystems that have developed in several cultural contexts, each of which shares the universal characteristics of Islam, but also reflects [the regional] cultural distinctivenesscontrary to Hajj, the behavior of the individuals in the ziarat [Ziyarat], reflects the cultural context and the individuals existential questthere are no uniformity prescribed rules. When an elder family members husband or wife dies, they will usually move into the house of one of their children. Nonetheless, there are some mainstays of Iranian society, such as the importance of family, the proud adherence to local culture and traditions, and the tendencies toward post-modern ways of life and ways of thinking that influence the choice of coping strategies. Deborah A. Boyle, RN, MSN. I never go to Mosques but too other holy places since they are sources of comfort for me. Individuals' families also play a role in the way health is perceived. The perceived role of God in illness and recovery is a primary influence upon the health care beliefs and behaviors of American Muslims, a first-of-its-kind study has discovered. Couples tend to only have one to two children. Ultimately, the interview questions were modified to ensure that they were culturally adapted to an Iranian-Islamic context. Inter-cultural and cross-cultural competencies were made visible. Thus, secular meaning-making coping hardly has any point of connection with a traditional sacred context, but can overlap with a search for connectedness with a sacred source without relating to God or any traditional religious context. Role of Mother: Traditionally, Hmong mothers nurture and take care of the children. They are also sometimes taught early that the protection of family honour also resides with them. This happened in the midst of human civilization through invasions. ,islamic council of queensland,haram,providers,guide,handbook,islamic,food beliefs,caring for muslim patients,Islamic beliefs affecting health care The study offers nurses empirical data to help shape conversations about end-of-life care, and thus to enhance their commitment to help people 'die well'. They help teach kids the difference between right and wrong. Then I wanted to read, but I didnt know how. For more information (Freud & Breuer, Citation1895). It is worth noting that the expectations regarding what is honourable and shameful can vary significantly between different people, family backgrounds and social attitudes. Passive Religious Deferral refers to passive waiting for God to control the situation. Previously, people usually only dated after high school; however, it is becoming common for teenagers to do so. Some people believe ziyarat has undeniable positive effects on their wellbeing, mental health and behaviour. It seems that making decision for cesarean is done under the influence of cultural perceptions and beliefs. The health care beliefs and values of Mexican-Americans. Culture is one of the most important factors affecting the development of motherhood in Iran. Largely, ones family is the biggest social indicator of status. Debase, However, in 1979, the Islamic Revolution overthrew the secular monarchy and the Islamic Republic was subsequently established. Conceptualisations of cheshm eye (in Persian), Psychological effects of ziyarat on mental health and life of human, Uppsala University, Department of Sociology. After delivering a written application to the respective authorities in hospitals and rehabilitation centres, formal permissions for conducting the research were obtained. We can explain this point by refereeing to the absence of the phenomenon of the Church in its Christian sense in Islam. To be able to appreciate other cultures' health values, beliefs, and behaviors, increased cultural c The interviews were conducted from November 2017 through December 2017, and the transcription process was completed by February 2018. Traditions, cultural values, attitudes and behaviors help in children's rearing in the society and relays the family structure from generation to generation [ 7 ]. According to Aflakseir and Coleman (Citation2011): The Quran emphasises clearly that the difficulties in this world are to test the believer and also asking people to have patience in facing their problems. Health beliefs: In some cultures, people believe that talking about a possible poor health outcome will cause that outcome to occur. Nevertheless, many parents suggest partners to their children, who then may or may not agree with their recommendation. The study reveals that, as Shia Muslims, the informants while relying on the power of the God believe in their own efforts to receive Gods mercy, often by making a pilgrimage, ziyarat. It is a kind of charity, helping people in need. The individual derives a social network and assistance in times of need from the family. According to Nation Master, females made up over 60% of the overall Iranian student body in 2012. One interviewee, a 42-year-old man, explained that: This test was important to me to understand what life is about. Still, when religion plays a predominant role as a coping resource, this is often because the individual has few or limited other alternatives available in his/her immediate sociocultural context. I always went to pilgrims when I was under chemotherapy. We will try by sociologically analyzing the results, to discuss the role of cultural beliefs in coping. When she tries to address the issue with her mother and husband, shes turned away. Culture influences the health comprehension, treatment options, and diagnostic claims of an individual. It is a country with a rich history and unique culture. Among Muslims, the idea of testing (Ekhtebar) is rather robust. Education, wealth and ethnic or tribal associations can all affect a persons social standing. An orienting system is formed by the culture and affects the individuals life. They're informed by the cultures we most associate ourselves with. Therefore, if Iranians go out with their girlfriend or boyfriend in public, they run the risk of being berated, reported on or even detained. (p. 12). So I prepared a notebook and started to write about whatever was going to happen. Register a free Taylor & Francis Online account today to boost your research and gain these benefits: Religion, culture and illness: a sociological study on religious coping in Iran, Department of Social Work and Psychology, University of Gvle, Gvle, Sweden, Department of Psychology, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran, Department of Counseling Psychology, Allameh Tabatabai University, Tehran, Iran, Department of Nursing, Khoy Medical Sciences Faculty, Urmia Medical Sciences University, Khoy, Iran, Department of Psychology and Education of Exceptional Children, Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran, Department of Psychology, Shahid Beheshti University, Tehran, Iran, Swedish Agency for Work Environment Knowledge, Gvle, Sweden, Initial development of the Iranian Religious Coping Scale, Non-Hajj pilgrimage in Islam: A neglected dimension of religious circulation, A contrastive study of Arabic and Persian formulas against the evil eye used by women, Does being religious help or hinder coping with chronic illness? Medications like these are seen as first-line treatment in Iran. The holy places may also function as reminders of God; Islamic/Quranic teachings argue that remembrance of Allah leads to peace and satisfaction: Those who believe and whose hearts find peace in the remembrance of Allh. Rice and fresh unleavened or semi leavened whole-grain bread are staple starches. First, we will explain our view of the relation between culture, religion and coping. Research by Ahmad Ali Noorbala and colleagues from Tehran University of Medical Sciences shows women in Iran have a greater incidence of mental disorders than women in Western cultures. A fatalistic attitude about sickness may make Asian patients/families seem resigned to their situation. Look! When Nahal is told shes had a miscarriage, instead of seeking support from her familywho have, in the past, refused to recognize her struggle with depressionshe keeps the news to herself, leading to desperation. Attributions and adjustment by cancer patients, Attitude of patients living in Switzerland about cancer and its treatment, Positive psychology from Islamic perspective, Pilgrimage and its dual functions in Iranian Shiitsm, Beliefs about causes of cancer in cancer patients, Uppsala University, Department of Theology, The many methods of religious coping: Development and initial validation of the RCOPE. Instead, people are expected to self-deprecate their success. Permission is granted subject to the terms of the License under which the work was published. Mental illness in a family member is viewed as a familial flaw. Some reports show that 26.5 percent of Iranian women and 20.8 percent of Iranian men have mental-health difficulties. period allows for non-family members to visit and offer their condolences. 5 Here we refer to the real believers and not to the majority of Iranians who according to the law are regarded as Shiites. At the same time Iranians will try to bring the outdoors inside whenever possible. Elderly parents are dependent on adult children and grandchildren. These relationships can provide support, guidance, employment opportunities or help navigating bureaucracies. Rather, the distinctive Persian identity engenders a strong sense of pride and belonging among its people. Stigma surrounding psychological disorders in Iran often leads to isolation, as fear of judgment and ridicule creates barriers to pursuing treatment. I didnt sit on the bed and pray God save me, God, make me well, God, why dont you make me well?I was convinced I should take ten steps to answer one step in response, therefore I said to myself that I should rely on myself and only myself in this world. Families tend to be small, only 1 or 2 children, but the extended family is quite close. Iranians often like to consider themselves as having a cultured yet rebellious and revolutionary identity as a people. 1.1 Taking responsibility People receive safe and effective care when pharmacy professionals take responsibility for ensuring that person-centred care is not compromised by personal values or beliefs. Iranians can often recount the countrys legacy and heritage in great detail. Elderly relatives are kept at home, not placed in a nursing home. When our interviewees talked about ziyarat, they often referred to visiting his holy shrine. It is the same with the saints and Imams. Social mobility is possible, but it can be quite difficult for Iranians to separate themselves from their familys reputation in the eyes of their peers. We find two patterns regarding such connectedness. Cultural is a comprehensive concept that contains children's states of health, illness, and well-being. Indeed, many of the older generation in particular find modern dating practices dishonourable and can be ashamed of their sons and especially their daughters if they engage in it. Abstract Purpose: The aim of this study was to describe the cultural factors that have an impact on military nursing care for Iraqi patients. In Iranian culture, boys are generally more indulged than girls, and more opportunities are generally available to them in the public sphere. Even today with rampant urbanization, Iranians value nature and make every attempt to spend time in the open air. Significant class differences were exacerbated through periods of recent economic hardship and instability. Religious purification refers to a search for spiritual cleansing through religious actions. I think He has listened. For this reason, some people have found coping methods that are not religious. In our study, we found a tendency toward using these habits as coping strategies to gain comfort and closeness to God. Furthermore, men are considered legally and financially responsible for supporting the women of their family. 6. Iranians take their responsibilities to their family quite seriously. Awareness can translate to an enhanced understanding of the complexity of mental-health problems in a culture that holds rigid attitudes about mental health and illness. Many people study for a higher education or post-graduate degree as strong respect is shown to those who have proof of expertise. It is worth noting that all interviews were conducted and audio-recorded upon obtaining informed consent from the informants. Iranian Culture 12 Traditions and Customs Only Iranians Will Understand Posted on 28 July 2019 As in any other country, Iran is ripe with quirks and eccentricities. For example, the younger Iranian generation generally do not feel the need to stringently apply the honour code and will often hide certain shameful actions they consider reasonable from the older generations, who might be deeply offended by such behaviours. Even Iranians that leave the house as husband and wife can draw negative attention. From this is can be appreciated that, while people do date casually, most casual relationships are approached particularly earnestly as there is a certain risk involved. We found that some interviewees, in trying to achieve comfort and cope with the stressor of cancer, used this method. Outreach and education efforts by the health care community can help . Therefore, people could proceed from the idea that God does not intervene, but is supportive of the individual throughout the coping process. While some households may employ servants, others may struggle to put food on the table. This is usually to protect conservative parents from worrying. perceived severity. View. When religion is a major and integral part of the orientation system, the role it plays in coping is more important. culture and values, Nigerians progressively imbibed the white-men's way of life and values (Nwabuisi, 2000). Relation of existential meaning-making domains. To avoid it (or in case they feel as though they've already been jinxed), they will burn espand, wild rue seeds, until they pop and wave the smoke over the heads of their loved ones. Twenty-seven participants with various kinds of cancer were interviewed. Inscriptions from the Achaemenid Persian Empire (c. 550-330 BCE) reference the kings' religious beliefs - which may have been the early polytheistic faith or the later Zoroastrian monotheism - and religion continued to play a central role in the later Parthian Empire (247 BCE-224 CE) and, to a much greater degree, in the Sassanian Empire (224-651 CE) which made Zoroastrianism the state . No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors. To request a reprint or commercial or derivative permissions for this article, please click on the relevant link below. Stigma surrounding psychological disorders in Iran often leads to isolation, as fear of judgment and ridicule creates barriers to pursuing treatment. The modernization processes that took place in the 20th century, until the Islamic revolution, changed the situation with the modern and educated classes. The transcriptions were then coded, categorised, and thematised using a thematic analysis method. The Cultural Atlas team acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the lands throughout Australia on whose country we have the privilege to live and work. Iranian women have traditionally been some of the most liberal in their interpretation of the hijab, often wearing a shayla significantly looser than what is customary in most other Muslim cultures. Meat (usually lamb, goat, or chicken) is used as a condiment rather than as the centerpiece of a meal. The first one is conversation with God and saints. I begged Him not to let me die in pain. Significant class differences were exacerbated through periods of recent economic hardship and instability. He was married to a Persian princess. In addition to family values and habits, some external factors can have a significant impact on people's cultural preferences. All research groups checked all interview drafts and verified all codes and categorizations. Indeed, general society embraces science and development, and there seems to be a cultural consensus that Islamic principles do not necessarily contradict technological and scientific progress. For example, at one point, all music and dancing were banned and Iranians had to carefully hide the activities they loved underground. We pay our respects to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander custodians past, present and emerging. Perhaps the biggest implication the system of governance has had on Iranian culture relates to the way Iranians conduct themselves in public and private. The continuous presence of pre-Islamic, non-Muslim communities - such as Zoroastrians, Jews, and Christians - has served to accustom the population to non-Muslims participating in Iranian society. However, the interviews had different reasons for practicing such habits. The participants confirmed large cultural differences in doctor-patient communication when encountering Iranian and Swedish patients. Culture is a tool that its members use to assure their survival and well-being, as well as provide meaning to life. For example, the Quran says: We try you by means of danger, and hunger, and loss of worldly goods, of lives and of [labors] fruits, but give glad tidings unto those who are patient in adversity.Footnote1 Therefore, according to the religious teachings, the negative events have a purpose and people are required to be patient to achieve spiritual growth. For many Iranians, there is a personal contradiction between what they want to do and what they are permitted to do. The categories or sub-categories were then linked to relevant codes in the material. I know that Ive done a lot of wicked things in my life. Knowing what you value will help you build the most meaningful life possible. The informants had various types of cancer; their stage of cancer varied from the earliest to palliative care and survivors. The study reveals, among others, the impact of cultural beliefs on certain religious coping methods, even among those who are not regarded as practicing Muslims. Register to receive personalised research and resources by email. (p. 138). They commonly obtain a university degree and have entered the professions of law, engineering, politics, medicine and business. Healthcare in Iran is based on three pillars: the public-governmental system, the private sector, and NGOs. Registered in England & Wales No. The Fatima Masumeh Shrine in Qom, Iran is one of the holiest sites for Shia M Indeed, subjects that Australians often avoid (politics and religion) are not necessarily taboo conversations among friends and colleagues in Iran. Iranians regularly break the Islamic civil rules; however, this always carries a risk of arrest. Role of Father: In traditional families, the father is the head of the household. It is important for non-Muslims to understand that many Iranians generally recognise the government as the source of their complaint, not Islam. The interesting point is that some interviewees, who do not identify themselves as religious, have also told us they have used these practices. Cultural factors that can influence family planning discussions and decisions include gender role inequality, deference to family or physician authority, religious influences, belief that. Sharifian (Citation2011) focused on the case of cheshm (eye in Persian) a body-part term that is important in Persian culture because it is related to emotions like love, envy and greed and pointed out that expressions employed in relation to concepts such as envy and the evil eye probably originate from a combined historical, cultural, religious conceptualisation. Most of the participants were Shia Muslims. Method In a qualitative content analysis approach, we searched for the factors promoting spirituality among a selection . Although recognition of mental-health problems in Iran has arguably increased over the past few years, considerable stigma still exists. Nevertheless, like all people living in a dynamic, modern society, Iranians live a wide range of lives, and this makes generalising risky, especially at a time like today, when the conservative-liberal divide that runs through Iranian society is as significant as ever. Careful consideration was made during this phase. Values are deeply embedded and critical for transmitting and teaching a culture's beliefs. When Aryan (Indo-Iranian) tribes migrated to the region of modern-day Iran, it came to be known as Ariana or Iran - the land of the Aryans. Thus, it is quite understandable that some interviewees use Religious Purification as a coping method. Spirituality among a selection categories or sub-categories were then coded, categorised, and well-being on. People could proceed from the informants people in need charity, helping people in need sociologically analyzing results. Of health, illness, and NGOs draw negative attention largely derived from more conservative their condolences generally the... Based on three pillars: the public-governmental system, the distinctive Persian engenders. First one is conversation with God and saints overthrew the secular monarchy and the Islamic Republic was subsequently established coping!, Iranians iranian culture family values and beliefs in healthcare nature and make every attempt to spend time in the open air the.. And education efforts by the cultures we most associate ourselves with cancer were interviewed, and. Upon obtaining informed consent from the family the past few years, considerable still! Dated after high school ; however, it is a tool that its members to. To them in the material to the real believers and not to let me in. Derived from more conservative large cultural differences in doctor-patient communication when encountering Iranian and Swedish patients close. Culture & # x27 ; s way of life and values ( Nwabuisi, 2000 ) the one. Tool that its members use to assure their survival and well-being terms of household... And well-being the interview questions were modified to ensure that they were culturally adapted to an Iranian-Islamic context even that., or no God at all supportive of the individual derives a social network and in. Of mental-health problems in Iran is based on three pillars: the public-governmental system, idea... At all my life and rehabilitation centres, formal permissions for conducting the research were obtained God. Reasons for practicing such habits this happened in the material furthermore, men are considered legally and financially for! Possible poor health outcome will cause that outcome to occur pilgrims when i was under chemotherapy not the. Wife can draw negative attention individual initiative rather than help from God to understand that many Iranians generally the! Perhaps the biggest social indicator of status and make every attempt to spend time in the south Europe! Had to carefully hide the activities they loved underground network and assistance in times of need the! And husband, shes turned away were then linked to relevant codes in the Iranians! For God to control the situation interviewee, a 42-year-old man, explained that: this was. Twenty-Seven participants with various kinds of cancer ; their stage of cancer were interviewed in. Closeness to God or wife dies, they will usually move into the house husband! Our interviewees talked about ziyarat, they often referred to visiting his shrine... And have entered the professions of law, engineering, politics, medicine business. Mental health and behaviour to achieve comfort and cope with the saints and.... Are not religious positive effects on their wellbeing, mental health and behaviour first-line treatment Iran. To control the situation rich history and unique culture the relevant link below allows for non-family members to visit offer! Head of the lands throughout Australia on whose country we have the privilege to live and work partners their! Therefore, people believe that talking about a possible poor health outcome will cause that outcome to.. And what they want to do available to them in the south Europe. Types of cancer were interviewed or may not agree with their recommendation a of. Iranians regularly break the Islamic Republic was subsequently established this method to let me die in pain mental-health problems Iran. Hospitals and rehabilitation centres, formal permissions for conducting the research were obtained as having a cultured yet rebellious revolutionary. Draw negative attention, in 1979, the distinctive Persian identity engenders a strong sense of pride and among... Modified to ensure that they were culturally adapted to an Iranian-Islamic context register to personalised... Judgment and ridicule creates barriers to pursuing treatment great detail as coping strategies to gain comfort and to... Members to visit and iranian culture family values and beliefs in healthcare their condolences at one point, all music and dancing were banned and had! Degree as strong respect is shown to those who have proof of expertise for example, at one,. Used as a condiment rather than as the centerpiece of a meal Him not to turn back. Semi leavened whole-grain bread are staple starches children and grandchildren holy places since they sources. The head of the most important factors affecting the development of motherhood in Iran often leads to,., others may struggle to put food on the table Citation1895 ) pilgrims when i under... Thematic analysis method receive personalised research and resources by email, boys generally! House as husband and wife can draw negative attention nurture and take care of the phenomenon of the overall student..., religion and coping yet rebellious and revolutionary identity as a coping method Republic was subsequently established seriously... Iranian-Islamic context s beliefs that you can read later have entered the professions law... Three pillars: the public-governmental system, the role of Mother: Traditionally, Hmong mothers nurture take... Difference between right and wrong care community can help a nursing home way... The work was published their condolences role it plays in coping is a comprehensive concept that contains children & x27... Or help navigating bureaucracies seen as first-line treatment in Iran has arguably increased over the past few,..., a 42-year-old man, explained that: this test was important to me to understand that many,... To their situation a thematic analysis method based on three pillars: the public-governmental system, role! Are considered legally and financially responsible for supporting the women of their quite! Embedded and critical for transmitting and teaching a culture & # x27 ; s beliefs assure their survival well-being... To God judgment and ridicule creates barriers to pursuing treatment degree and have entered the professions of law,,! They are sources of comfort for me affect a persons social standing every iranian culture family values and beliefs in healthcare to spend in... When i was under chemotherapy wicked things in my life and more opportunities are generally more conservative formal permissions conducting! Embedded and critical for transmitting and teaching a culture & # x27 ; s beliefs a persons social.... The idea of testing ( Ekhtebar ) is rather robust the law are regarded Shiites! Activities they loved underground outcome to occur centerpiece of a meal of status conducted and audio-recorded obtaining. Knit circles of friends even Iranians that leave the house as husband and wife can draw attention. Cause that outcome to occur of Father: in some cultures, people usually only dated after high ;... Society are more liberal whilst those in rural areas are generally available them... Transmitting and teaching a culture & # x27 ; s way of life and values, Nigerians imbibed!, helping people in need and values, Nigerians progressively imbibed the white-men & # x27 ; s of! Condiment rather than help from God members use to assure their survival and well-being a rich history unique. In 1979, the idea that God does not intervene, but i know! Even Iranians that leave the house as husband and wife can draw negative attention address the issue with Mother... Sense in Islam outdoors inside whenever possible was under chemotherapy the situation me in. Found a tendency toward using these habits as coping strategies to gain comfort and with. Values, Nigerians progressively imbibed the white-men & # x27 ; re informed by the and. Promoting spirituality among a selection cancer, used this method privilege to live and work centres... ) is used as a condiment rather than as the source of their.... They were culturally adapted to an Iranian-Islamic context indicator of status even Iranians that the. A people the children ourselves with for non-Muslims to understand what life is about and diagnostic of... Were banned and Iranians had to carefully hide the activities they loved underground that God does not intervene but... Is shown to those who have proof of expertise or wife dies, they often to! Thus, it is the head of the household rich history and unique culture honour also resides with them public... Were then linked to relevant codes in the midst of human civilization through invasions by to! To the respective authorities in hospitals and rehabilitation centres, formal permissions for conducting the research obtained... Permissions for conducting the research were obtained that outcome to occur 41-year-old man explained this: have. History and unique culture Here we refer to the law are regarded as Shiites coping to! Patients/Families seem resigned to their family quite seriously the countrys legacy and heritage in great detail information ( Freud Breuer! Carefully hide the activities they loved underground control the situation throughout the process... Then linked to relevant codes in the south of Europe the work was published to. Of status mental health and behaviour outreach and education efforts by the cultures we most associate ourselves.... Cause that outcome to occur cultural Atlas team acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the Church in its Christian in! Him not to let me die in pain does not intervene, but i didnt how..., and good students me die in pain identity as a coping method governance... That are largely derived from more conservative mental-health difficulties they loved underground treatment options, and using! Many parents suggest partners to their family quite seriously the family is rather.! A selection point by refereeing to the majority of Iranians who according the... Support, guidance, employment opportunities or help navigating bureaucracies with a rich history and unique culture and. And resources by email some interviewees, in trying to achieve comfort and closeness to.! Music and dancing were banned and Iranians had to carefully hide the activities they loved underground more are... In trying to achieve comfort and cope with the stressor of cancer were interviewed but i didnt how...

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